Score-line structure

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure pertains to a novel score-line construction for easy-opening pull tab type cans, as well as a method for forming said score-line. In this regard, the scoreline is disposed closely adjacent to the rim of the container end portion, and includes a substantially perpendicular outer peripheral wall. This arrangement provides, upon formation, a zone of compacted material immediately below the base wall surface of said score-line, which zone has an outer peripheral edge that terminates abruptly and substantially in alignment with the aforementioned perpendicular outer wall surface. Accordingly, upon opening, the path of fracture will follow said outer peripheral wall and be substantially coextensive with the edge of said zone, precluding erratic fracturing of said score-line and the formation of relatively sharp burrs. In addition, there are disclosed several novel can end element constructions for a container of the type described, employing a score-line terminating at spaced locations on a debossed area formed in the end portion. Fracture of the score-line will continue until the debossed area is reached, and thereafter further application of opening force will cause the displaceable panel section defined by the score-line to be bent upwardly about said debossed area. Accordingly, access to the can interior can be had, while the displaceable panel section remains connected to the can proper.

United States Patent i191 Hulse [111 3,820,681 June 28, 1974 SCORE-LINESTRUCTURE Murlin L. Hulse, Cassopolis, Mich.

Orbital Container Corporation, Addison, 111.

Filed: Apr. 6, 1972 Appl. No.: 241,563

Inventor:

Assignee:

Primary Emminer-George T. Hall Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Olson, Trexler,Wolters, Bushnell & Fosse, Ltd.

[5 7] ABSTRACT The present disclosure pertains to a novel score-lineconstruction for easy-opening pulltab type cans, as

well as a method for forming said score-line. In this regard, thescore-line is disposed closely adjacent to the rim of the container endportion, and includes a substantially perpendicular outer peripheralwall. This arrangement provides, upon formation, a zone of compactedmaterial immediately below the base wall surface of said score-line,which zone has an outer peripheral edge that terminates abruptly andsubstantially in alignment with the aforementioned perpendicular outerwall surface. Accordingly, upon opening, the path of fracture willfollow said outer peripheral wall and be substantially coextensive withthe edge of said zone, precluding erratic fracturing of said scorelineand the formation of relatively sharp burrs. In addition, there aredisclosed several novel can end element constructions for a container ofthe type described, employing a score-line terminating at spacedlocations on a debossed area formed in the end portion. Fracture of thescore-line will continue until the debossed area is reached, andthereafter further application of opening force will cause thedisplaceable panel section defined by the score-line to be bent upwardlyabout said debossed area. Accordingly, access to the can interior can behad, while the displaceable panel section remains connected to the canproper.

12 Claims, 19 Drawing Figures SCORE-LINE STRUCTURE BACKGROUND OFINVENTION The present invention pertains to easy opening pull tab cansor containers, that is, those including an end portion having adisplaceable panel portion defined by a frangible score-line. Morespecifically, said invention is concerned with novel end and score-lineconstructions, and methods of fabricating same which obviate many of theproblems inherent with the prior art structures.

The easy openings, pull tab type of can has gained wide acceptance bythe beverage industry and food processors. In this regard, the containerend or end portion is provided with a removable panel to which the pulltab is attached. During opening, the shearing action takes place about aclosed loop so that the entire panel is removed to provide an accessopening.

Food processors have adopted the easy opening-type of can for use with awide assortment of products, primarily in the area of snack foods suchas nuts, prepared puddings, fruits, meat products, and the like. Withthese uses, the removable panel section is quite large, generallyencompassing all but the outer perimeter of the can and providing arelatively wide opening.

The adoption of the easy opening can has not been totally withoutproblems. In the packaging of snack foods there have been an alarmingnumber of instances wherein consumers have sustained injury due to therel- V atively sharp edges remaining on the rim and of the container andthe panel section after removal of said panel section. This problem hasbecome especially serious with regard to prepared puddings and fruits,quite popular with school age children who have been known to attempt tolick the interior of the container and/or the panel section, and as aresult thereof have suffered serious cuts to their tongues and lips. Infact, many schools have requested that parents refrain from using thistype of container because of its inherent danger. The danger of injuryis not limited to children, as careless adults have also suffered severecuts.

The beverage type of easy opening can has also been the cause ofnumerous injuries. Children, overcome by curiosity have sustained injuryto their tongues and fingers when attempting to insert these within therelatively narrow key hole opening. In addition, the removable panelsections are often discarded and as such, become the source of danger toanyone who is barefoot. The problem is especially acute in beach areaswherein the discarded panels often lie submerged in the sand.

tion construction which permits retention of a displaced of fracturedpanel section so that said panel section cannot be discarded and will bedisposed of along with the can itself.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a drawnmetal container embodying the score-line construction of the presentinvention.

FIG. 2 is a partial sectional view of the container of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary sectional view on an enlarged scale, of thecontainer end portion, illustrating the 0 manner in which the score-lineis: formed therein, by a scoringpunch.

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary sectional view of the container end portionafter the score-line has been formed therein.

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary sectional view illustrating the manner offracture of the score-line.

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary sectional view of a container end portion havinga score-line formed in accordance with the prior art practices, embossedtherein.

FIG. 7 is a partial elevational viewillustrating the manner of fracturefor the prior art score-line constructions.

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary sectional view illustrating a novel method offorming a score-line in a container end portion.

FIG. 9 is a top plane view of a separable container end portion formedwith a debossed area which precludes separation of the panel portionfrom the container end portion, which will permit access to the interiorof the container.

FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken along the lines 10-10 of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a top plane view of a container of the type illustrated inFIG. 1, having an end portion provided with the debossed area forassuring retention of the panel portion subsequent to opening.

FIG. 12 is a partial fragmentary sectional view taken along the lines12-12 of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a partial top plane view of a container end portion having akeyhold panel and employing a debossed area for preventing removal ofsaid panel.

FIG. 14 is a top plan view of still another form of the inventionillustrating a container end having a displaceable panel section of thekey-hole type, with a raised rim disposed about the major portion of theperiphery thereof. I

FIG. 15 is a sectional view taken along the line 15-15 of FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is an enlarged, partial sectional view of the container end ofFIG. 15, illustrating the disposition and shape of the score-line.

FIG. 17 is an elevational view of a novel container constructionemployable with the various features and modifications illustratedpreviously.

FIG. 18 is a partial, top view of the container of FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is an enlarged, fragmentary sectional view taken through thecontainer of FIG. 17.

DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS In order to fully appreciateand understand the present invention, it is necessary first to considerthe general construction of prior art containers and those factors whichattribute to their potential danger. First of all, each easy openingpull tab container includes an end portion that may be formed from aseparate end element attached to the can body by a rolled seam or formedunitarily with the body section as illustrated in the drawings. Ineither case, the end portion is scored to provide a frangible wallsection termed the scoreline, which defines the shape of the removablepanel section. Where the panel sections are completely removed, thescore-line will traverse a closed loop.

With reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, the prior art scoreline constructions,and the problems occasioned thereby will first be considered. In thisregard, the scoring operation is generally achieved using a scoringpunch which displaces the material of the end portion to form a groovehaving a base wall section of reduced thickness. The prior art form ofscore-line 10a is illustrated specifically in FIG. 6 and as can be seen,employs inwardly sloping sidewall surfaces 12a and 14a and a generallyhorizontally base wall surface 16a which meet to define inner and outerperipheral corners 18a and 20a. During opening the frangible base wallsection 22a will fracture, preferably at one or the other of theperipheral corners 18a or 20a. In practice, however the path that thefracture follows is an erratic one, following one of the peripheralcorners for a distance and then traversing the base wall surface 16a tothe opposite corner, which may happen several times during opening. As aresult thereof, when the panel section 24a is removed or displaced, asillustrated in FIG. 7, the peripheral edges of the panel section and therim of the opening provided in the end portion will include raggedprotuberances or burrs 26a formed by the aforementioned erraticfracturing of the base wall 22a. It is these protuberances or burrs 26awhich are the source of injury as the radial edges thereof aresufficiently sharp to inflict a severe cut.

These problems inherent with prior art constructions are overcome by thepresent invention. Primarily, this is achieved by the provision of anovel score-line construction and method of fabrication, which assureselimination of the burrs 26a. In addition there is provided a novel canconstruction which permits the retention of the panel section with themain can body for dis posal therewith.

Consideration will now be directed to the present invention, andinitially to FIG. 1. In FIG. 1, there is illustrated one type of form ofcan 30 uniquely suited for employment with the present invention. Inthis regard, the can 30 includes a cylindrical body section 32, an upperend portion 34 and a lower end portion 36. With the illustratedembodiment, the upper end portion 34 is formed as a unitary element withthe body section 32, the lower end portion 36 being in the form of aseparate element attached to the body section 32 by a rolled seam 37 orthe like.

The upper end portion 34 is provided with a circular score-line 10, bestviewed in FIG. 2, which defines a removable panel portion 24. Attachedto the removable panel portion 24 is a pull tab opening device 38. Whenthe pull tab opening device 38 is grasped and pulled upwardly, initialfracture or breaking of the score-line 10 will be produced. Upon theapplication of continued force by means of the pull tab device 38, thecomplete fracture of the score-line 10 can be obtained and the panelportion 24 removed from the can.

The general construction of the can 30 is similar to that of applicant'sprior Pat., No. 3,302,823, and references may be had to said patent fora more complete description thereof, if desired.

Attention is now directed to FIGS. 3 and 5 which I]- lustrate thefeatures of the present invention on a somewhat enlarged scale. In FIG.3, the manner of forming the score-line 10 is illustrated, while thesectional profile of the score-line 10, subsequent to forming isillustrated in FIG. 4, the fractured condition for said scoreline 10being illustrated in FIG. 5.

FIG. 3 illustrates schematically the accepted or commercial manner offorming the score-line 10, which is to employ an upper punch 40 and alower support element 42. The punch 40 includes an annular die section44 shaped as illustrated which upsets the metal of the container endportion 34 to form the score-line 10. The lower support element 42 isrelatively flat and provides support or backing for the material of thecontainer end portion 34 during scoring and prevents downwarddisplacement of the material.

The profile or shape of the resulting score-line 10 attained with thepunch 40 and the die 44, is illustrated in FIG. 4. As can be seen, thescore-line 10 includes an outer peripheral side wall 12 which isgenerally perpendicular to the upper surface of the container endportion 34, while the inner peripheral side wall 14 is disposed on anangle. The base wall surface, designated 16, is generally horizontal andperpendicular to the side wall 12. Quite clearly, the shape of the die44 is complementary to that of the profile of the score-line 10, inorder to produce the desired configuration. The importance of theconfiguration thus described, will be apparent from the hereinafterdetailed description.

More specifically, the operation of the die 44 on the container endportion 34 in forming the score-line 10 is a cold working process. Dueto the presence of the lower support member 42, the metal is notdisplaced downwardly, but is compacted in the area or region of the basewall section of the score-line, which section is designated generally22. This compacting produces a work hardening of the metal andcorrespondingly a zone of relatively brittle material, designated 46 andillustrated by the shaded area of wall section 22 in FIGS. 3 and 4. Thezone of compacted material 46 terminates abruptly on its outer peripherygenerally in alignment with the side wall 12. This feature is attaineddue to the shape of the die 44 and the fact that the side wall 12 isformed generally perpendicular, rather than on a bias as is the casewith prior art constructions. Were the side wall surface 12 constructedas per the prior art, the zone of compacted material would assume arather indefinite and irregular shape, as illustrated by the shaded areaof FIG. 6 (the prior art construction).

It should be noted, that the above-mentioned scoring of the can endportion 4 takes place prior to assembly of the pull tab member 38. Ininstances wherein the cam end portion is a separate element of thecontainer construction, as illustrated in FIG. 17, the score-line 10will be formed therein prior to attachment to the can body 32.

An additional important feature of the disclosed embodiment of thepresent invention is the employment of the rim 50 and its relationshipto the score-line 10. The rim 50 extends about the entire periphery ofthe can end portion 34 and is in the form of a return-bend portion. Assuch, the rim 50 provides relatively stiff support for the materialdisposed radially outward of the score-line 10. The score-line 10 ispositioned as close to rim 50 as is physically possible, a feature whichis achieved only by employment of the relatively perpendicular side wall12, and the complementary shaped portion of the die 44. It should benoted that if a tapered wall were employed, the score-line would have tobe displaced somewhat from the rim 50 by a distance equal to the degreeof taper. Accordingly, with the disclosed arrangement, the rim 50renders the material adjacent to and radially outward of the score-line10 relatively stiff and unflexible as compared to the panel section 24.

With the above discussion in mind, consideration is now directed to themanner in which the base wall section 22 of the score-line l0 fracturesduring removal of the panel section 24. In this regard, as the pull tab38 is pulled upwardly, an initial fracture in the base wall section 22will occur, which fracture takes place at the juncture of the base wallsurface 16 and the side wall 12 and will be coextensive with the outerperiphery of the work hardened zone 46. This is due to the fact that thematerial compacted and hardened to form zone 46 terminates abruptly, theperiphery thereof being in general alignment with the relativelyperpendicular side wall 12. This taken in conjunction with the stiffunyielding nature of the material radially outward of the score-line asprovided by the rim 50 and its close proximity to the score-line l0promotes shearing as indicated.

In effect, there is attained a situation wherein a region of stressconcentration exists, i.e. zone 46, which terminates abruptly with thematerial radially outward thereof being relatively stiff and unyielding.Accordingly, when an upward force is applied to the panel 24, thematerial will fracture or shear at the edge of this zone 46 and at theabove mentioned juncture of wall surfaces 12 and 16, since samerepresents the weakest portion of the wall section 22 and the path ofleast resistance to the shearing action. In addition, it should be notedthat the employment of the mutually perpendicular side wall 12 and basewall surface 16 provide a notch sensitive area at their juncture, anadditional factor which facilitates shearing at this point.

Upon the continued application of opening force by means of the pull tab38, the path of fracture through the base wall section 22 will continueto follow the outer edge of zone 46 as this represents the path leastresistant to the shearing action. Accordingly, the shearing action willcontinue along the juncture of the aforementioned side wall 12 and basewall surface 16, and will extend through the base wall section 22coextensive with the edge of the work hardened zone 46. Accordingly, thepath of fracture does not traverse across the base wall surface 16 tothe tapered side wall 14. Therefore, upon completion of fracture andremoval of the panel section 24, the rim or periphery of the openingthus obtained will be relatively smooth and free of sharp burrs, such asthe burrs 26a occasioned with the prior art construction.correspondingly, the danger of an individual being injured by runninghis finger or tongue over the rim of the container opening is materiallyreduced.

While a conventional method for forming a scoreline is illustrated .anddescribed in FIG. 3, the method of FIG. 8 provides an alternate, novelmethod of forming a score-line, be it the score-line of FIGS. 1-5 or theprior art type of score-line illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7.

' It must be kept in mind however, that this method is es peciallyadvantageous when employed with the scoreline 10 wherein controlled workhardening is attained.

Recalling the prior discussion of the prior art arrangements and thereasons for erratic fracture of the score-line, an additional factorwhich was not mentioned is variance in the thickness of the wallsection. The thickness of the score-line base wall is also a factorwhich determines the amount of force that must be applied to effectfracture of said score-line and removal of the panel section.

It must also be kept in mind, that pull tab containers of the type underdiscussion are often employed for carbonated beverages, and as such thestrength of the score-line base section must be sufficient to withstandthe internal pressures encountered. In this regard, the strength of thescore-line is directly related to the base wall section thickness.Therefore, the tolerances within which the score-line must be maintainedare critical.

Considering now FIG. 8, in detail, the formation of the score-line 10 isachieved in two steps. The initial step is a preparation procedurewherein a punch 60 is employed in conjunction with a lower supportingmember 62 engaged against the underside of the panel portion 34. Thepreparation punch 60 includes an annular die section 64 that has a flatlower surface 66. Upon engagement of the panel portion 34 by the punch60, the material thereof is compressed along a relatively wide annularband 68 conforming to the width of the die surface 66. This compactingproduces some degree of work hardening, but most importantly, eliminatesany and all dimensional irregularities in the area of the band 68 intowhich the score-line 10 is to be formed. That is to say, this procedureprovides an area of uniform wall thickness for reception of thescoreline 10.

The formation of the score-line 10 in the annular band 68 is preferablyperformed in essentially the same manner as described with regard toFIG. 3. That is a punch having a die 44 is employed. This step of theprocedure is illustrated in the right hand portion of FIG. 8.

In this regard, the wall thickness of the annular band 68 is uniformalong the entire length thereof. Accordingly, upon formation of thescore-line 10, the resulting base wall section 22 will have a closelycontrolled, uniform thickness along its entire length.

It must be emphasized at this point that while the score-line in FIGS.3-5 is preferred, the method of FIG. 8 hereinabove described may beemployed with conventional score-lines, such as 10a, of FIG. 6.

In addition, the die 64 may be sized to insure that the respectivesections and 50 of the return bend rim 50 are forced into close abuttingengagement. Also, the outer peripheral edge of the die 64 will form anabrupt corner at the inner section of the horizontal surface of thepanel 34 in the upwardly extending rim section 50", which facilitatesplacement of the score-line 10 in close proximity to said rim 50.

In FIGS. 9-13, an alternate, novel construction for a container isillustrated. The various container end portion constructions illustratedin these figures were designed to eliminate the problems encounteredwith the prior art types wherein the removable panel portion iscompletely separated from the end portion and then discarded. That is tosay, in the three embodiments illustrated the container may be openedwith the panel portion remaining connected to the container end portionfor subsequent disposal in conjunction with the container body.

Turning first to FIGS. 9 and 10, there is illustrated an end portionconstruction 34' of the type formed as a separate element andsubsequently engaged with a container body section. In this regard, theend portion 34 includes an upwardly extending rim 70 which has a curledlip 72 formed thereon which can be engaged with a can body section bythe well-known process of roll-seaming.

A score-line 10 is formed in the upper surface of the panel portion 34in relative close proximity to the rim 70. While it is preferred that ascore-line construction as discussed previously with regard to FIGS. 3-5be utilized with the end portion FIGS. 9-l3, this is not necessary andprior art score-lines may be used, if desired.

Returning now to the construction of FIGS. 9 and 10, it should be notedthat the score-line 10 does not completely encircle the end portion 34,but rather terminates at spaced locations. More specifically, a debossedarea 74 is provided at the upper surface of the panel portion 34 withthe terminal points 76 and 78 of the score-line 10' being at theperiphery of said debossed area 74. As such, the score-line l and thedebossed area 74 define a panel section 24' which is in the shape of asegment of a circle.

Attached to the panel section 24 is a pull tab member 38' of a somewhatdifferent type than that discussed previously. Upon opening, thescore-line will be initially fractured in the area of the point ofconnection of the tab 38 to the panel section 24. As the tab 38 ispulled upwardly, the score-line 10' will continue to fracture until thedebossed area 74 is reached. After this, the debossed area will resistfurther random tearing or shearing of the end portion 34', and willfunction as a fulcrum about which the panel section 24 will be bentupwardly, as illustrated in phantom in FIG. 10. Accordingly, there isprovided an access opening to the interior of the container; however,the panel section 24' will be retained in connection with the endportion 34 and will be discarded with the entire container.

The embodiment of FIGS. 11 and His quite similar to that as discussedwith regard to FIGS. 9 and 10. It should be noted initially, that thecontainer construction of this embodiment is of the type discussed withregard to FIGS. l-5, wherein the end portion 34 is formed unitarily withthe can body section 32" of the container. As such, it is possible touse a pull tab device 38" such as illustrated and discussed with regardto FIG. 1.

Considering now FIG. 11, it can be seen that a debossed area 74 isprovided in the upper surface of the end portion 34 in a positiondiametrically opposed to the point of connection of the pull tab 38". Aswas the case with the embodiment of FIGS. 9 and 10, the scoreline 10" isformed in the container end portion 34 and extends about the peripherythereof, terminating at spaced points 76 and 78 at the periphery of saiddebossed area 74. The score-line l0 and the debossed area 74 of theembodiment of FIGS. 11 and 12 thus define a panel portion 24" which ismore nearly a complete circle than that of the previously discussedembodiment.

Accordingly, upon opening, the score-line 10" will be fractured withsaid fracturing continuing until the debossed area 74 is reached. Atthis point in the opening operation, the continued application of forceswill cause the debossed area 74 to operate as a fulcrum about which thepanel portion 24" will be bent upwardly, as illustrated in phantom.

With the embodiment of FIGS. 11 and 12, it should be noted that anytendency in the container material to tear once the debossed area 74 isreached, will produce tearing upwardly along the inner-fold 50" of therim rather than across the debossed area 74. This feature becomessignificant due to the relatively short length of the debossed area 74,and aids greatly in assuring that the panel portion 24" will not becomedisconnected from the remainder of the container.

In addition, it should be noted that the panel portion 24" may beprovided with a dome shaped section 80. This dome shaped section isutilized as an indicator device, in that when a vacuum is created withina container such as is often done with perishable products, the domewill be drawn inwardly. As such, by visually inspecting the container acustomer can tell whether the vacuum has been broken or not. That is tosay, if the dome is concaved outwardly, the purchaser will knowimmediately that the vacuum within the container has not beenmaintained.

In the embodiment of FIG. 13, the above discussed invention is employedin conjunction with the keyhole type of panel section, often found onbeverage containers. In this regard, the score-line 10, which definesthe keyhole panel section 82, also tenninates at spaced apart locations76 and 78 on the periphery of the debossed area 74. During opening,fracture of the score-line will continue as described previously, untilthe debossed area 74 is reached, at which time the debossed areafunctions as a fulcrum permitting the still connected panel section 82to be bent rearwardly. As such, the customer may still drink from thecontainer as is the case with the prior art constructions; however, thepotentially dangerous panel section 82 will be retained in connectionwith the container and will be disposed of therewith.

It should be kept in mind, that the embodiments of FIGS. 9-13 may employscore-line constructions such as known in the prior art, or alternatelythey may utilize the score-line construction of FIGS. l-5. Quiteclearly, because of the advantages afforded by the novel scorelineconstruction of Said FIGS. l-5, this would be preferred.

In FIGS. 14-16, still another novel end construction is illustrated,which is designated generally 90. The end is of the type designed to bejoined to a cylindrical can body (not shown) by roll-seaming or thelike. As such, the end 90 includes an upwardly extending rim or flange92 having a curl lip 94 formed integral therewith. During assembly, thelip 94 is engaged with the open end of a cylindrical can body to closean end thereof.

Formed in the upper surface of the end 90 is raised or embossed area 96.Immediately adjacent the inner peripheral edge of the embossed area 96,there is provided a score-line 98 which traverses a closed loop todefine a removable panel section 100. As can be seen from the drawing,the removable panel section 100 is of the key-hole type, frequentlyemployed with beverage and liquid containers of various types. A pulltab device or member 102 is attached to the panel section 100 at thenarrow end thereof to facilitate opening of the container.

The manner of attaching the pull tab device 102 to the panel section 100is best illustrated in FIGS. and 16. In this regard, the pull tab member102 is upset downwardly into the upper surface of the panel section 100to provide a dimple which is nested within a correspondingly shapedrecess formed in said panel section 100. The concentric formations thusobtained are then flattened, or cold headed, as illustrated to provide ablind end hollow rivet 106 engaged in a conforming boss 108, the latterbeing formed out of the material of the removable panel section 100. Theheaded configuration thus produced firmly secures the pull tab member102 to the removable panel section, such that an opening force can beapplied thereto.

With reference to FIG. 16, it is to be noted that the construction ofthe score-line 98 is preferably that as illustrated and discussed withregard to FIGS. 1-5. More specifically, the embossed area 96 is disposedimmediately adjacent the score-line 98, so as to provide an area ofrelatively stiff, unflexible material outward of the score-line, and theperpendicular wall surface thereof. Accordingly, recalling the previousdiscussion pertaining to FIGS. 1-5 and the function of the return bendrim 50, the embossed area 96 serves generally the same purpose duringthe opening operation. That is, upon formation of the score-line 98 azone of compacted material is produced immediately below the base wallthereof, with said zone terminating in alignment with the generallyperpendicular outer peripheral wall of the score-line. Thus, when anopening force is applied to the displaceable panel section 100, thematerial immediately outward of the score-line 98 will not flexappreciably. As such, a shearing action is promoted during fracturealong the outer periphery of the zone of compacted material whichreduces the tendency of the path of fracture to traverse the base wallsurface of the score-line 98. Thus, with the end construction asillustrated in FIGS. 14-16, the formation of portion of the can body.The can construction contemplated pursuant to the invention of FIGS.17-19 pertains to the more conventional type of can wherein separableend members are attached to opposite ends of a tubular or cylindricalbody section. More specifically, the invention of FIGS. 17-19 provide anarrangement wherein a pull tab device of the type illustrated in FIG. 1can be employed with the more conventional type of can construction.

The incomplete can construction of FIGS. 17-19, which is generallydesignated 110 is comprised by the tubular body 112 having an open endportion 114 with a separable end element 116 attached to the oppositeend thereof by a roll-seaming operation, or the like.

It should be noted, that upon attachment of the end 116 to the body 112,a continuous raised rim 117 is provided about the entire periphery ofthe container end portion. Heretofore, this raised rim 117 necessitatedthat the pull tab device employed be of a relatively conventionaldesign, i.e. as illustrated in FIG. 14, wherein said device lay in aplane substantially parallel to the upper surface of the end member.Accordingly, during opening the pull tab device had to be lifted orpivoted about the point of attachment to the displaceable panel sectionin order to produce initial fracture of the score-line. This operationcaused a segment of the panel portion to be forced inwardly. Onceinitial fracture was accomplished by inward bending, the panel sectionhad to be bent in a reverse direction in order to affect a completefracture of the score-line and removal of said panel section from theend.

The disadvantages inherent with this type or mode of opening arenumerous. The reverse bending operation requires an excessively highopening force, especially noticeable with larger size cans. Also, unduestrain was placed on the rivet attaching the pull tab device to thepanel section which often resulted in failure prior to completion of theopening process. As will be appreciated from the following discussion,the disadvantages inherent with the prior art constructions areovercome, or obviated to some degree by the invention illustrated inFIGS. 17-19.

With reference to FIGS. 18 and 19, the pull tab arrangement of thepresent invention is illustrated in detail and designated generally 120.The device 120 is designed such that it may be mounted on a separabletype of container end after attachment of said end to a container bodyby a roll-seaming operation. Toward this end, the design or shape of thepull tab device 120 is such as to accommodate the rim or chime 117formed during the roll seaming operation.

More specifically, the pull tab device 120 is of a generally L-shaped orright angle configuration and include a vertical segment 122, agenerally horizontal arm segment 124 disposed in overlying relation tothe upper surface of the end 116, and a bight section 126 joining thehorizontal and vertical sections 122 and 124. The vertical segment 122extends coaxially of the.

container body 112, which body may be indented, as shown, at 130, tofacilitate grasping of the free end of said segment 122. Altemately, thefree end of the segment 122 may be flaired outwardly. In the illustratedform of the invention, the vertical segment 122 is connected to thebight portion 126 by a tapered segment 132.

It is clearly seen, from FIG. 19, the bight section 126 extends upwardlyfrom the vertical segment 122 and overlies the rim or chime 117 of thecan. construction 112. The point of merger of the bight section 126 withthe horizontal arm 124 is near the point of attachment of said arm 124to the container end portion.

A frangible score-line 134 is formed in the upper surface of the endportion 116, as is required for opening, which traverses a closed loop,thereby defining a displaceable panel section 136. Here again, thedesign or nature of the score line 134 may be of the conventional typeknown in the art, or that as disclosed previously with regard to FIGS.1-5, the latter being preferred.

A desired method for attaching the horizontal arm segment 124 to the canend, and more specifically to the displaceable panel section 136 isillustrated in FIG. 19. This method is essentially that as illustratedand described'with regard to FIGS. 15-16, and as such will not bediscussed in detail except that the cold headed rivet thus formed isdesignated 140.

Upon opening, the vertical segment 122 of the pull tab member 120 isgrasped and is pivoted upwardly and outwardly. The member 120 is formedfrom a heavier gauge material than that of the can end portion, or isstrengthened in some other manner, so as to render it relatively stifi'.Accordingly, during opening, the entire pull tab device 120 remainssubstantially rigid, thereby transmitting the upwardly directed force tothe displaceable panel section 136 via the rivet connection 140. Theapplication of an upwardly directed force will cause the score-line 134to fail or fracture in shear. The continued application of an upwardlydirected force will produce further displacement of the panel section136, and correspondingly continued fracture of the score-line 134, untilthe panel section 136 is completely removed.

From the above, it should be noted that the opening of the containerconstruction illustrated is characterized by the continuous upwardmovement of the displaceable panel section 134. This should be comparedwith the prior art approach, wherein this panel section must be firstbent inwardly to produce initial fracturing of the score-line, and thenbent in a reverse direction in order to produce continued fracturing andremoval thereof. As such, with the present invention, the opening forcesrequired are reduced, as is the danger of disengagement of the pull tabmember 120 prior to completion of the opening operation.

While the applicant has illustrated and described preferredconstructions and methods of fabrication pertaining to his inventions,it is realized that those skilled in the art may devise alternatestructures or procedures, which may fall within the spirit and scope ofthe said inventions, as defined by the claims appended hereto.

The invention is claimed as follows:

1. A container construction having a pull tab opening device andcomprising: a body section; an end portion closing one end of said bodysection and including a panel section having the pull tab opening devicesecured thereto, said panel section being defined by score-line meansformed in the upper surface of said end portion; the improvement whereinsaid score-line means comprises a band of compressed work hardenmaterial of substantially uniform thickness coextensive with theperimeter of said panel section and forming a portion thereof, ascore-line formed in said band of compressed, work hardened material anddefining the perimeter of said panel sections, said score-linecomprising a frangible base wall section that can be fractured to permitopening of said container, and an outer peripheral side wall surfacesubstantially perpendicular to the upper surface of said band, saidpanel section, and the surface of said base wall section, with the basewall section being of uniform thickness, wherein upon formation of saidscore-line, there is provided a zone of compacted, work hardenedmaterial of substantially uniform thickness in the region of said basewall section, the outer periphery of said zone terminating abruptly andsubstantially in alignment with said outer peripheral side wall surfacesuch that during fracture of said score-line shearing will take placealong a path defined by the juncture of said base wall and said sidewall and coextensive with the outer periphery of said zone.

2. A container construction as defined in claim 1 further includingsupport means on said end portion disposed outward of said panel sectionand in close proximity to said score-line, which support means providesrigidity to the material disposed outwardly of and adjacent to said sidewall surface, thereby facilitating attainment of the desired path ofshearing.

3. A container construction as defined in claim 2 wherein said supportmeans is comprised of a raised rigid bead, provided by a reverse bentfold formed in the material of said end portion.

4. A container construction as defined in claim 1 wherein said endportion is formed as an integral unitary element with said body section.

5. A container construction as defined in claim 1 wherein said endportion comprises a separate element of said container assemblyintegrally joined to said body section.

6. A container construction having a pull tab opening device andcomprising a body member including a cylindrical body section and an endportion closing one end of said body section, said end portion beingformed as a unitary one piece section thereof, said unitary end portionbeing joined to said body section by support means in the form of araised rigid rim, said rim being defined by a reverse bent fold fonnedin the material of said body member and disposed about the periphery ofsaid end portion, said rim, comprising, respectively, radially inner andradially outer portions joined by a bight section, said radially innerportion being a continuation of said end portion and said radially outerportion being a continuation of said body section, with said respectiveradially inner and radially outer rim portions being in abutting,metal-to-metal contact to provide a rigid support structure; said endportion including, a panel section having the pull tab opening devicesecured thereto, said panel section being defined by score-line meanswhich include a score-line form in the upper surface of said endportion, said score-line having an outer, peripheral side wall and afrangible base wall section that is fractured to pennit opening of saidcontainer, said outer peripheral side wall of said scoreline beingdisposed perpendicular to the upper surface of said panel section and inclose proximity to said reverse-bent rigid rim such that upon fracturingof said frangible base wall section, said raised rim provides rigidsupport for said outer peripheral side wall and promotes shearing of thefrangible base wall section at the junction of said base wall and saidouter peripheral side wall.

7. A container as defined in claim 6 wherein upon the material in theregion of said base wall section is compressed to provide a zone of workhardened material, the outer periphery of which terminates abruptly andin alignment with said side wall, such that during the fracture of saidscore-line shearing will take place along a path defined by the junctureof said base wall and said side wall and coextensive with the outerperiphery of said work hardened zone.

8. A container end portion construction having a pull tab opening deviceand designed for use with a container having a body section for closingone end of said body section, and including a panel section having saidpull tab opening device secured thereto, said panel section beingdefined by a score-line formed in the upper surface of said end portionwhich score-line includes an outer, peripheral side wall and a frangiblebase wall section that can be fractured to permit opening of saidcontainer said score-line including an outer peripheral side wallsurface substantially perpendicular to the upper surface of said panelportion and the surface of said base wall section, wherein uponformation of said score-line said base wall is formed of a uniformthickness and there is provided a zone of compacted, work hardenedmaterial in the region of said base wall section, the outer periphery ofsaid zone terminating abruptly and substantially in alignment with saidouter peripheral side wall surface and perpendicular to the lowersurfaces of said panel portion such that during fracture of saidscore-line shearing will take place along a path defined by the junctureof said base wall and said side wall and coextensive with the outerperiphery of said zone, extending to said lower surfaces of the panelportion.

9. A container construction having a pull tab opening device andcomprising a body member including a cylindrical body section and an endportion closing one end of said body section and being formed as aunitary portion thereof, said end portion including a panel sectionhaving the said pull tab opening device secured thereto, said panelsection being defined by score-line means which include a score-lineformed in the upper surface of said end portion, and having an outer,peripheral side wall and a frangible base wall section that is fracturedto permit opening of said container, the outer peripheral side wall ofsaid score-line being disposed generally perpendicular to the uppersurface of said panel section, said score-line means further including aband of compressed material of substantially uniform thickness-whichcircumscribes said panel section, said scoreJine being formed in saidband of compressed material to define the periphery of said panelsection, with said base wall being of uniform thickness and compressedto provide a zone of work hardened material which terminates abruptlyand in alignment with said peripheral outer side wall, such that duringfracture of said base wall, shearing will take place along a pathdefined by the juncture of said base wall and said side wall andcoextensive with the outer periphery of the work hardened zone, supportmeans disposed outwardly of said panel section in close proximity tosaid peripheral side wall, said support means comprising a raised rigidrim provided by a reverse bent fold formed in the material of said bodymember, such that upon 14 fracturing of said frangible base wallsection, said raised rim provides rigid support for said outerperipheral side wall and promotes shearing of the frangible basewallsection at the junction of said base wall section and saidouter-peripheral side wall.

10. A container end member for attachment to a container body sectionfor closing one end of said body section, and including: a panel portiondefined by score-line means formed in the upper surface of said endmember, said score-line comprising a band of compressed material ofsubstantially uniform thickness coextensive with the perimeter of saidpanel section and forming a portion thereof, a score line formed in saidband of compressed material and defining the perimeter of said panelsection, said score line comprising a frangible base wall section ofuniform thickness fracturable to permit opening of said container, andan outer peripheral side wall surface substantially perpendicular to theupper surface of said panel portion and the surface of said base wallsection, wherein upon formation of said score-line, there is provided azone of compacted hardened material in the region of said base wallsection, the outer periphery of said zone terminating abruptly andsubstantially in alignment with said outer peripheral side wall surfaceand substantially perpendicular to the lower surface of said end memberand extending thereto such that during fracture of said score-lineshearing will take place: along a path defined by the juncture of saidbase wall and said side wall and coextensive with the outer periphery ofsaid zone; and support means on said end member disposed outward of saidpanel portion and in close proximity to said score-line, which supportmeans provides rigidity to the material disposed outwardly of andadjacent to said outer peripheral side wall surface, therebyfacilitatingattainment of the desired path of shearing.

11. A container end member as defined in claim 10 wherein said supportmeans is comprised of a raised rigid bead, provided by a reverse bentfold formed in the material of said member.

12. A container end member as defined in claim 10 wherein said supportmeans is comprised of an embossed area disposed adjacent to saidscore-line.

1. A container construction having a pull tab opening device andcomprising: a body section; an end portion closing one end of said bodysection and including a panel section having the pull tab opening devicesecured thereto, said panel section being defined by score-line meansformed in the upper surface of said end portion; the improvement whereinsaid score-line means comprises a band of compressed work hardenmaterial of substantially uniform thickness coextensive with theperimeter of said panel section and forming a portion thereof, ascore-line formed in said band of compressed, work hardened material anddefining the perimeter of said panel sections, said score-linecomprising a frangible base wall section that can be fractured to permitopening of said container, and an outer peripheral side wall surfacesubstantially perpendicular to the upper surface of said band, saidpanel section, and the surface of said base wall section, with the basewall section being of uniform thickness, wherein upon formation of saidscore-line, there is provided a zone of compacted, work hardenedmaterial of substantially uniform thickness in the region of said basewall section, the outer periphery of said zone terminating abruptly andsubstantially in alignment with said outer peripheral side wall surfacesuch that during fracture of said score-line shearing will take placealong a path defined by the juncture of said base wall and said sidewall and coextensive with the outer periphery of said zone.
 2. Acontainer construction as defined in claim 1 further including supportmeans on said end portion disposed outward of said panel section and inclose proximity to said score-line, which support means providesrigidity to the material disposed outwardly of and adjacent to said sidewall surface, thereby facilitating attainment of the desired path ofshearing.
 3. A container construction as defined in claim 2 wherein saIdsupport means is comprised of a raised rigid bead, provided by a reversebent fold formed in the material of said end portion.
 4. A containerconstruction as defined in claim 1 wherein said end portion is formed asan integral unitary element with said body section.
 5. A containerconstruction as defined in claim 1 wherein said end portion comprises aseparate element of said container assembly integrally joined to saidbody section.
 6. A container construction having a pull tab openingdevice and comprising a body member including a cylindrical body sectionand an end portion closing one end of said body section, said endportion being formed as a unitary one piece section thereof, saidunitary end portion being joined to said body section by support meansin the form of a raised rigid rim, said rim being defined by a reversebent fold formed in the material of said body member and disposed aboutthe periphery of said end portion, said rim, comprising, respectively,radially inner and radially outer portions joined by a bight section,said radially inner portion being a continuation of said end portion andsaid radially outer portion being a continuation of said body section,with said respective radially inner and radially outer rim portionsbeing in abutting, metal-to-metal contact to provide a rigid supportstructure; said end portion including, a panel section having the pulltab opening device secured thereto, said panel section being defined byscore-line means which include a score-line form in the upper surface ofsaid end portion, said score-line having an outer, peripheral side walland a frangible base wall section that is fractured to permit opening ofsaid container, said outer peripheral side wall of said score-line beingdisposed perpendicular to the upper surface of said panel section and inclose proximity to said reverse-bent rigid rim such that upon fracturingof said frangible base wall section, said raised rim provides rigidsupport for said outer peripheral side wall and promotes shearing of thefrangible base wall section at the junction of said base wall and saidouter peripheral side wall.
 7. A container as defined in claim 6 whereinupon the material in the region of said base wall section is compressedto provide a zone of work hardened material, the outer periphery ofwhich terminates abruptly and in alignment with said side wall, suchthat during the fracture of said score-line shearing will take placealong a path defined by the juncture of said base wall and said sidewall and coextensive with the outer periphery of said work hardenedzone.
 8. A container end portion construction having a pull tab openingdevice and designed for use with a container having a body section forclosing one end of said body section, and including a panel sectionhaving said pull tab opening device secured thereto, said panel sectionbeing defined by a score-line formed in the upper surface of said endportion which score-line includes an outer, peripheral side wall and afrangible base wall section that can be fractured to permit opening ofsaid container said score-line including an outer peripheral side wallsurface substantially perpendicular to the upper surface of said panelportion and the surface of said base wall section, wherein uponformation of said score-line said base wall is formed of a uniformthickness and there is provided a zone of compacted, work hardenedmaterial in the region of said base wall section, the outer periphery ofsaid zone terminating abruptly and substantially in alignment with saidouter peripheral side wall surface and perpendicular to the lowersurfaces of said panel portion such that during fracture of saidscore-line shearing will take place along a path defined by the junctureof said base wall and said side wall and coextensive with the outerperiphery of said zone, extending to said lower surfaces of the panelportion.
 9. A container construction having a pull tab opening deviceand comprising a body member including a cylindrical body section and anend portion closing one end of said body section and being formed as aunitary portion thereof, said end portion including a panel sectionhaving the said pull tab opening device secured thereto, said panelsection being defined by score-line means which include a score-lineformed in the upper surface of said end portion, and having an outer,peripheral side wall and a frangible base wall section that is fracturedto permit opening of said container, the outer peripheral side wall ofsaid score-line being disposed generally perpendicular to the uppersurface of said panel section, said score-line means further including aband of compressed material of substantially uniform thickness whichcircumscribes said panel section, said score-line being formed in saidband of compressed material to define the periphery of said panelsection, with said base wall being of uniform thickness and compressedto provide a zone of work hardened material which terminates abruptlyand in alignment with said peripheral outer side wall, such that duringfracture of said base wall, shearing will take place along a pathdefined by the juncture of said base wall and said side wall andcoextensive with the outer periphery of the work hardened zone, supportmeans disposed outwardly of said panel section in close proximity tosaid peripheral side wall, said support means comprising a raised rigidrim provided by a reverse bent fold formed in the material of said bodymember, such that upon fracturing of said frangible base wall section,said raised rim provides rigid support for said outer peripheral sidewall and promotes shearing of the frangible base wall section at thejunction of said base wall section and said outer peripheral side wall.10. A container end member for attachment to a container body sectionfor closing one end of said body section, and including: a panel portiondefined by score-line means formed in the upper surface of said endmember, said score-line comprising a band of compressed material ofsubstantially uniform thickness coextensive with the perimeter of saidpanel section and forming a portion thereof, a score line formed in saidband of compressed material and defining the perimeter of said panelsection, said score line comprising a frangible base wall section ofuniform thickness fracturable to permit opening of said container, andan outer peripheral side wall surface substantially perpendicular to theupper surface of said panel portion and the surface of said base wallsection, wherein upon formation of said score-line, there is provided azone of compacted hardened material in the region of said base wallsection, the outer periphery of said zone terminating abruptly andsubstantially in alignment with said outer peripheral side wall surfaceand substantially perpendicular to the lower surface of said end memberand extending thereto such that during fracture of said score-lineshearing will take place along a path defined by the juncture of saidbase wall and said side wall and coextensive with the outer periphery ofsaid zone; and support means on said end member disposed outward of saidpanel portion and in close proximity to said score-line, which supportmeans provides rigidity to the material disposed outwardly of andadjacent to said outer peripheral side wall surface, therebyfacilitating attainment of the desired path of shearing.
 11. A containerend member as defined in claim 10 wherein said support means iscomprised of a raised rigid bead, provided by a reverse bent fold formedin the material of said member.
 12. A container end member as defined inclaim 10 wherein said support means is comprised of an embossed areadisposed adjacent to said score-line.